The Senegal national football team has formally filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that awarded the trophy to Morocco national football team.

Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory after extra time in the final.

However, the result was later overturned by CAF following a protest from Moroccan authorities.

The decision was based on a late-game incident in which Senegal players walked off the pitch for about 15 minutes in protest of a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.

CAF’s Appeals Committee ruled that the walk-off constituted a breach of tournament regulations.

Under the competition rules, a team that refuses to continue play or leaves the pitch without the referee’s approval is considered to have forfeited the match.

As a result, CAF awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, effectively handing them the title.

The decision has generated widespread debate across African football, with Senegal contesting both the disciplinary process and the interpretation of the rules.

By taking the case to CAS, Senegal is seeking a legal review of the ruling.

The court is expected to examine whether CAF’s decision was consistent with its regulations and procedures.

The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in future continental competitions.